It's Bouna Time!" Rapids Backup Goalkeeper Bouna C

It's Bouna Time!" Rapids Backup Goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul Could Find Himself Starting SaturdayBackup Goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul Could Find Himself Starting in Goal This Saturday Night With Joe Cannon Suffering From InjuryDENVER (ColoradoRapids.com) - "Guys it’s Bouna time!" These were the exact words out of Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul's mouth after his first appearance in a professional match last weekend. Coundoul was exulting after his first appearance as a major league player coming into Saturday's game at Columbus in the 10th minute after starting 'keeper Joe Cannon went down with an injury. With Cannon still listed as doubtful for this Saturday's match at LA and backup 'keeper Matt Jordan still suffering from a back injury Coundoul could see his first ever start in an MLS game on Saturday night at the Home Depot Center.(For the full match preview of Saturday's match including projected lineups the latest injury report miscellaneous game notes broadcast information head-to-head stats and details on the viewing party CLICK HERE).In a position in which opportunities for newcomers are seldom and where goalkeepers usually spend their time waiting on the bench thirsting for an opportunity to show what they can bring to the game the self-assuredness of Coundoul is also rare. The University of Albany product spent the entire 2005 season with the Rapids but made his only appearances with the Rapids Reserves team. Coundoul played in four games for the Reserves posting a 3-0-1 record while giving up just two goals for a 0.60 Goals-Against-Average. This season the Senegal-born ‘keeper kept a clean sheet in the first two Rapids Reserves matches and he was one shot away from doing the same in his first MLS game. "I thought I was going to get a shutout again (Saturday) because I looked at the clock and it was the 78th minute and I said to myself ‘Okay I’m going to try and get the shutout and help the team get at least one point’" Coundoul said. Despite being just one injury away from the goal mouth all season Coundoul was nervous when he got the call to go in. "I was nervous and kind of fumbled the ball several times. The weather conditions didn’t help but the more time I was in goal the more comfortable I felt Coundoul said. The 6-2 goalie said that it felt good to get his first professional action but wished he could have earned a tie or win for the club and is disappointed he started out with a loss. With Cannon listed as doubtful for this Saturday’s game against the Galaxy Coundoul is confident in his game going into what could be his second appearance for the first team. "I believe in myself and the coaches believe in me he said. So far this week Coundoul has been receiving the majority of work during the team's practice sessions in preparation for Saturday’s tilt but to him it is just like any other week. "Even if I’m not on the (dressing) list for a game I’m going to be ready. I’m just working on taking the next step. Becoming stronger physically mentally and believing I can do it he told us. Coundoul came to the United States as a child from his native Senegal and lived in the Bronx N.Y. where he attended high school before going to Albany University and playing his college soccer there. The Rapids signed him to a developmental contract before last season. Ironically Coundoul was ready to be loaned out to the Seattle Sounders of the USL First Division early this year to try and get some playing time with Cannon and Jordan ahead of him in the lineup. But when Matt Jordan injured his back which moved Bouna into the club's backup 'keeper role the trip was postponed and he ended up cancelling his travel plans and staying on with the Rapids. While quietly waiting for his opportunity to shine Coundoul had been fighting personal demons having spent almost 10 years away from his family. While the Rapids were in Bilbao Spain for the preseason in March of 2006 Coundoul was able to finally be reunited with his mother sister and younger brother whom he hadn't seen since coming to the USA. "It had been so long since I had seen my family that I hardly recognized my little brother Coundoul said "When I left he was short but now he is taller than I am." With Bouna potentially getting to shine in goal for the Rapids this Saturday night getting the chance to maybe make his first-ever MLS start we all might finally get the chance to see how tall Bouna himself can stand on the field.